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The UK, France, and Germany (E3) are coordinating sanctions with the US to restrict flights between Europe and Iran after the US and other Western leaders accused Iran of transferring ballistic missiles to Russia.
What’s the deal: In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany said they warned Iran both “privately and publicly” that they would take “new and significant measures if the transfers took place.” They added, ” We now have confirmation that Iran has made these transfers. We will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. In addition, we will pursue the designations of significant entities and individuals involved with Iran’s ballistic missile programme and the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia. We will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air.”
Significant impact: The UK, France, and Germany’s move to deny Iran access to their airspace will hit “Iran Air,” its main airline. The move will undoubtedly cause significant revenue loss and make flights much longer, increasing operational costs and impacting passengers. In addition, the restrictions could expand to other EU countries and further isolate Iran’s economy.
What the US said earlier today: While speaking to reporters, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Russia received the ballistic missile transfers and would “likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians.” According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the provision of Iranian ballistic missiles is intended to alleviate Russia’s own supply of ballistic missiles so it can hit “targets that are further from the front line.” Blinken added, “We’ve warned Iran publicly, we’ve warned Iran privately, that taking this step would constitute a dramatic escalation.”
Iran denies transfer: Iranian officials have denied the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Naser Kanaani pushed back on the reports, saying, “The spread of false news about the transfer of Iranian weapons to certain countries is aimed at concealing the extensive and illegal Western military support for the genocide in Gaza.”
